According to Dr Martens, the brand had not commissioned the series of four print ads. As a consequence, the company has terminated its relationship with Saatchi & Saatchi, the responsible agency.

David Suddens, chief executive of Dr Martens\' parent company Airwear ltd, said:

\"Dr Martens is very sorry for any offence that has been caused by the publication of images showing dead rock icons wearing Dr Martens boots.\"

However, Saatchi & Saatchi have put out a statement defending the work: \"We believe the ads are edgy but not offensive\".

Joey Ramone\'s brother Mickey Leigh and Courtney Love, widow of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, are among the people who spoke out against the ads.